National Arbor Day is April 28, 2017

Arbor Day is an annual observance that celebrates the role of trees in our lives and promotes tree planting and care. As a formal holiday, it was first observed in 1872, in Nebraska. When J. Sterling Morton founded Arbor Day back in 1872, his idea was simple—set aside a special day for tree planting. And today, that idea is more important than ever.

“Each generation takes the earth as trustees. We ought to bequeath to posterity as many forests and orchards as we have exhausted and consumed.”
– J. Sterling Morton, Founder of Arbor Day

Planting a tree is much more than merely digging a hole. Be sure to select a good planting site, select the right tree and follow planting instructions for the type of tree you are planting.

If you are considering planting a tree be sure to check out the “Tree Owners Manual”. This US Forest Service publication highlights proper tree care from installation to maintenance, with many easily understood images and text. Click Here to download a copy of the Tree Owner’s Manual for the Northeastern and Midwestern United States. For a wider audience, the Tree Owner’s Manual—National Edition.

Tree Statistics

Trees provide many benefits to people and the communities they live in.

The net cooling effect of a young, healthy tree is equivalent to ten room-size air conditioners operating 20 hours a day.
– U.S. Department of Agriculture

Trees can boost the market value of your home by an average of 6 or 7 percent.
– Dr. Lowell Ponte

Landscaping, especially with trees, can increase property values as much as 20 percent.
– Management Information Services/ICMA

One acre of forest absorbs six tons of carbon dioxide and puts out four tons of oxygen. This is enough to meet the annual needs of 18 people.
– U.S. Department of Agriculture

There are about 60–200 million spaces along our city streets where trees could be planted. This translates to the potential to absorb 33 million more tons of CO2 every year and saving $4 billion in energy costs.
– National Wildlife Federation

Trees properly placed around buildings can reduce air conditioning needs by 30 percent and can save 20–50 percent in energy used for heating.
– USDA Forest Service

Healthy, mature trees add an average of 10 percent to a property’s value.
– USDA Forest Service

When Is Arbor Day?

For many years, Arbor Day was celebrated on April 22, J. Sterling Morton’s birthday. Today, National Arbor Day is celebrated on the last Friday in April. All fifty states, Puerto Rico, and some U.S. territories have passed legislation adopting Arbor Day, which is celebrated on a date appropriate for tree planting in their region. Visit arborday.org to learn when Arbor Day is celebrated in your state.

 

For additional information and ideas about stewardship, conservation and trees, consider visiting these sites:

Arbor Day Foundation. Web. 10 Apr. 2017.
“Trees Are Good.” Trees Are Good. Web. 10 Apr. 2017.
“Northeastern Area.” Northeastern Area Publication Details. Web. 10 Apr. 2017.

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